三个月前的星期一下午
迎风吹来 让我的头发起舞
风的味道 甜美柔软
它吹走我的汗
在大热天里
带给我烦躁的心
一股舒适和凉爽
如今我身却在别的地方
这里的风 和家里的不一样
风的吼声 可怖无常
像凄凉的鬼声
在无月的夜晚
我躺在厚厚被窝里
盼望早晨的阳光
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
The Harmony Silk Factory
Now that I have finally graduated from TOA (Tons of Assignments), and in the midst of packing up to go overseas, I used some of my free time to go back to the hobby I missed so much - reading. For the three years of my diploma programme, I didn't have much time to spare for reading any novels. The only time I got to read was during the semester breaks, and I always only got to finish just one book. The last English novel I read was probably "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson, and that was like, a year ago?
Throughout the times I was in my room staring at my laptop, scribbling on my graphic tablet, dozens of books sat comfortably on the shelf near my closet, wondering when they would be read. One of them was "The Harmony Silk Factory" by Malaysian writer Tash Aw. My uncle from Australia left it here after he finished it during his last trip here.
When I took hold of this book, ready to immerse myself into the story, I wasn't having high hopes. It would be just another war and romance story, something like those Singaporean writers would write (no offense).
But I was wrong.
Tash Aw's writing style is very interesting, and the way he input those Malayan elements into the setting was very effective and natural. It had a sort of oriental feel to it too. It felt different to read - different from the previous novels I had read. As I read it I also had a sense of closeness or familiarness to it, because there were names and things that we have here in Malaysia.
Storywise, Tash Aw succeeded in using a creative way of narrating the story, and it was very gripping to read. He also managed to sculpt out unique characters that seemed so mysterious, and yet charismatic.
I am now halfway through the story, and I can't wait to go back to it, so goodbye for now!
I will be back for more reviews on this book.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
The Earphones
The classroom was noisy. Some students were chatting with each other as they worked on their drawings. Some had earphones on, while some preferred to share the music aloud. Mobile phones seems pretty handy these days. They are as loud as actual radios. Well, as if people still use actual radios nowadays. Some even wonder if actual radios still exist.
Rory put on a set of brand new earphones. Her music play list was full of the latest hits on radio. She updated her play list almost every month, deleting the "old stuff" and replacing them with the newest ones. Unfaithful, as her little brother, Nick, would say. He was the total opposite anyway. He kept a whole collection of the oldies, both English and Chinese hits, as well as some popular Malay classics, listening to them over and over again. His favourites were Michael Jackson and Jacky Cheung. Rory got sick whenever she entered his room.
Rory raised up the volume of the music and continued her drawing. Since she quit learning music to get into art college, Rory couldn't stop regretting her decision. I like art, she remembered herself saying. That was what she told herself over and over again when she applied. I suck in music, she said to herself. I am not a rock star. Music is my enemy. For some reason, the music she heard through the earphones make her think otherwise.
No one would think her as a rock star anyway. She dressed plainly in a white blouse and three-quarter jeans. Her black hair was long and wavy. For convenience, she even wore slippers to college. But little did her college mates know that she was in a band once, for two years. She and three of her classmates formed a rock band during secondary school, singing their own compositions, which contained outrageous lyrics about the country's social and political situation. Rory was the vocalist, while her best friend DL, who was also the keyboardist, wrote all the lyrics for their songs. The band was a huge sensation in their school, attracting numerous fans even from other schools - until one day.
That day, they were threatened.
A minister visited their school, and after the band performed, they were dragged to a quiet room by the same teachers who helped them start the band. Then, they were told that they were not allowed to perform ever again.
Their dreams were shattered. They were confused, frustrated and angry. DL insisted that they continued performing no matter what happens, but Rory was worried that worse things might happen. The other two members, Yong and DD agreed with Rory.
"Don't be cowards," said DL. "We can do this together. Let's go further. We can even perform in front of our own Prime Minister, and see his reaction. Isn't that what we talked and laughed about during practise?"
"It is fun to talk about," said Rory. "But do you seriously think that we should do that? Don't live in dreamland, DL. Wake up. This is reality. Think rationally."
"Our country is in this situation all because of you guys!" said DL, raising her voice. "My dream is to be an influencal musician, and it will always be that way. What about you guys?"
Rory, Yong and DD kept quiet for some time. Rory saw tears in DL's eyes, and she understood how emotional she was.
"I love music," said DD, breaking the silence. "But I can't do it for a living. My father would kill me. I think I should quit now, before I get stuck and can't get out. It was fun playing the guitar with you guys, though."
Yong said the similar thing and they both left the room. Now it was only Rory and DL left. DL stared at her closest friend, waiting for an answer. Rory had her eyes set on the floor, wondering what she should do.
"Music is my only path," said DL, finally. "What about you?"
Rory gradually raised her head, still searching for the right words to say.
"We will be graduating in two weeks time," she began. "I planned to attend auditions and hoped to get signed by a record label with the band. But I had another option. As you know, I'm never good at my studies, and drawing is my hobby. So, I might go to art college..."
"So be it," said DL softly, finally letting her tears roll down her cheek. "Go chase your 'dream'!"
She left Rory alone in the room and Rory never saw her again after that.
Music is my enemy. Music is my dream. Music is my doom. Music is my paradise. Rory couldn't stand it anymore. She wanted to move on. She wanted to put her past behind her and live a new life. She wanted to do well in her studies. She wanted to do what she loved.
But was art the right path for her? Or was it merely a way out to escape from her doom - the emptiness she felt without the band? Drawing was her hobby, wasn't it? If that is so, then why does she feel so tortured everytime she faces a piece of white paper, struggling to get a nice image out using a 6B pencil? Why is it so that everytime she listens to music with her earphones, she imagines herself singing on stage with her band?
Music was my dream, and it still is now. It is what I should be doing. How could I give up my dream so easily? How could I be such a coward? What was I so afraid of? That the government would kill me? How stupid!
Rory felt a new sort of energy. She suddenly felt that she shouldn't torture herself anymore. She should go back to the place where she belonged. The path that she should have chosen. She took out her mobile phone and dialled the number she once knew so well.
"Hello? Is DL there?"
"I'm sorry," said a woman in a sad tone. "Who is this? DL just passed away in a car crash a month ago."
Rory's heart stopped for a second. She hands shoke until she nearly dropped her phone.
"What has she been doing these two years?" she asked the woman, who might be her mother.
"She sang in clubs and joined a few competitions," said the woman with a sigh. "But even though many fans liked her songs, there were some people who hated her."
Rory's heart sank as she hung up. DL had chased her dream no matter what went into her way. She not only fought to do what she loved, she fought for the right to speak her mind through her songs. She was a real fighter.
The news of DL's death didn't bring fear back to Rory. In fact, she was even more determined and agrier than before. She will continue DL's fight. She will live her dream.
On that day, she left the classroom and started her brand new journey.
"This earphone has the best quality," said the woman at the mobile phone shop. "This is a special limited edition. The last one."
"Really?" said Rory. "What's so special about it? It looks the same as my old spoiled one to me."
"I don't know. But I heard from my customers that after using them they saw a light of hope in their lives. Not sure if it's true. You know only ten of these were manufactured. I heard that when they were manufactured, there was a bright light shining from outside into the factory. I think that day was Easter Day. I don't know. They might be just rumours. So these earphones are very special."
"Whatever," said Rory. "They are just earphones anyway."
Rory put on a set of brand new earphones. Her music play list was full of the latest hits on radio. She updated her play list almost every month, deleting the "old stuff" and replacing them with the newest ones. Unfaithful, as her little brother, Nick, would say. He was the total opposite anyway. He kept a whole collection of the oldies, both English and Chinese hits, as well as some popular Malay classics, listening to them over and over again. His favourites were Michael Jackson and Jacky Cheung. Rory got sick whenever she entered his room.
Rory raised up the volume of the music and continued her drawing. Since she quit learning music to get into art college, Rory couldn't stop regretting her decision. I like art, she remembered herself saying. That was what she told herself over and over again when she applied. I suck in music, she said to herself. I am not a rock star. Music is my enemy. For some reason, the music she heard through the earphones make her think otherwise.
No one would think her as a rock star anyway. She dressed plainly in a white blouse and three-quarter jeans. Her black hair was long and wavy. For convenience, she even wore slippers to college. But little did her college mates know that she was in a band once, for two years. She and three of her classmates formed a rock band during secondary school, singing their own compositions, which contained outrageous lyrics about the country's social and political situation. Rory was the vocalist, while her best friend DL, who was also the keyboardist, wrote all the lyrics for their songs. The band was a huge sensation in their school, attracting numerous fans even from other schools - until one day.
That day, they were threatened.
A minister visited their school, and after the band performed, they were dragged to a quiet room by the same teachers who helped them start the band. Then, they were told that they were not allowed to perform ever again.
Their dreams were shattered. They were confused, frustrated and angry. DL insisted that they continued performing no matter what happens, but Rory was worried that worse things might happen. The other two members, Yong and DD agreed with Rory.
"Don't be cowards," said DL. "We can do this together. Let's go further. We can even perform in front of our own Prime Minister, and see his reaction. Isn't that what we talked and laughed about during practise?"
"It is fun to talk about," said Rory. "But do you seriously think that we should do that? Don't live in dreamland, DL. Wake up. This is reality. Think rationally."
"Our country is in this situation all because of you guys!" said DL, raising her voice. "My dream is to be an influencal musician, and it will always be that way. What about you guys?"
Rory, Yong and DD kept quiet for some time. Rory saw tears in DL's eyes, and she understood how emotional she was.
"I love music," said DD, breaking the silence. "But I can't do it for a living. My father would kill me. I think I should quit now, before I get stuck and can't get out. It was fun playing the guitar with you guys, though."
Yong said the similar thing and they both left the room. Now it was only Rory and DL left. DL stared at her closest friend, waiting for an answer. Rory had her eyes set on the floor, wondering what she should do.
"Music is my only path," said DL, finally. "What about you?"
Rory gradually raised her head, still searching for the right words to say.
"We will be graduating in two weeks time," she began. "I planned to attend auditions and hoped to get signed by a record label with the band. But I had another option. As you know, I'm never good at my studies, and drawing is my hobby. So, I might go to art college..."
"So be it," said DL softly, finally letting her tears roll down her cheek. "Go chase your 'dream'!"
She left Rory alone in the room and Rory never saw her again after that.
Music is my enemy. Music is my dream. Music is my doom. Music is my paradise. Rory couldn't stand it anymore. She wanted to move on. She wanted to put her past behind her and live a new life. She wanted to do well in her studies. She wanted to do what she loved.
But was art the right path for her? Or was it merely a way out to escape from her doom - the emptiness she felt without the band? Drawing was her hobby, wasn't it? If that is so, then why does she feel so tortured everytime she faces a piece of white paper, struggling to get a nice image out using a 6B pencil? Why is it so that everytime she listens to music with her earphones, she imagines herself singing on stage with her band?
Music was my dream, and it still is now. It is what I should be doing. How could I give up my dream so easily? How could I be such a coward? What was I so afraid of? That the government would kill me? How stupid!
Rory felt a new sort of energy. She suddenly felt that she shouldn't torture herself anymore. She should go back to the place where she belonged. The path that she should have chosen. She took out her mobile phone and dialled the number she once knew so well.
"Hello? Is DL there?"
"I'm sorry," said a woman in a sad tone. "Who is this? DL just passed away in a car crash a month ago."
Rory's heart stopped for a second. She hands shoke until she nearly dropped her phone.
"What has she been doing these two years?" she asked the woman, who might be her mother.
"She sang in clubs and joined a few competitions," said the woman with a sigh. "But even though many fans liked her songs, there were some people who hated her."
Rory's heart sank as she hung up. DL had chased her dream no matter what went into her way. She not only fought to do what she loved, she fought for the right to speak her mind through her songs. She was a real fighter.
The news of DL's death didn't bring fear back to Rory. In fact, she was even more determined and agrier than before. She will continue DL's fight. She will live her dream.
On that day, she left the classroom and started her brand new journey.
"This earphone has the best quality," said the woman at the mobile phone shop. "This is a special limited edition. The last one."
"Really?" said Rory. "What's so special about it? It looks the same as my old spoiled one to me."
"I don't know. But I heard from my customers that after using them they saw a light of hope in their lives. Not sure if it's true. You know only ten of these were manufactured. I heard that when they were manufactured, there was a bright light shining from outside into the factory. I think that day was Easter Day. I don't know. They might be just rumours. So these earphones are very special."
"Whatever," said Rory. "They are just earphones anyway."
Sunday, 4 January 2009
George part 3
I looked into Andy's eyes and my mind went all the way back to our childhood days, when the Butterland folks first dropped a giant peanut into my garden. What a great time we had at that time! It was our first adventure, and it certainly had a special place in our hearts. When we were 13, the Butterland folks finally gave us serious missions, and we managed to please them. A year later, Andy's family moved away and I was sent on the new mission alone. I never expected that two years later, we would meet again, and with another new mission!
to be continued...
to be continued...
Thursday, 1 January 2009
George - part 2 (please read part 1 first)
THUMP! The tremendous loud noise made everyone scream. I gasped. I knew that sound. It was all too familiar for me. This was probably the fifth time I heard the sound, and each time led me to a crazy mission adventure, which resulted in nagging from my parents on the reason why I was absent for such a long time. Oh, no. Looks like I would be gone again.
Everyone turned their attention to outside the classroom. An enormous thing that looked like a tree stump had just fallen from nowhere, probably from the sky, onto the school assembly compound. It was so huge, probably equivalent to the size of a spaceship. I followed as everyone in the class rushed out in curiosity. Soon almost everyone from all over the school were at the assembly compound to look at the strange thing that dropped down from nowhere.
As we came closer to the "thing", we saw that it was indeed a tree stump. There were moss growing around it, and it had green leaves here and there. Interesting, I thought. The last time I encountered something that dropped from the sky, or rather more accurately, from the magical world, it was a giant cookie.
Just then, I felt somebody nudge me. It was Andy. Andy! I had forgotten about him.
"Another adventure?" said Andy.
"Yeah," said I. "But I don't know what to expect this time. You remember the last time we went to Lolli-Lolli? You were almost killed by mosquitoes!"
"You are right," said Andy with a laugh. "It was scary at that time, but now when I think about it, I just can't stop laughing. It's a pity I wasn't with you last year."
"Last year? Oh, it was very crazy too. Even crazier than the first time we went there. But things just weren't the same without you."
to be continued...
Everyone turned their attention to outside the classroom. An enormous thing that looked like a tree stump had just fallen from nowhere, probably from the sky, onto the school assembly compound. It was so huge, probably equivalent to the size of a spaceship. I followed as everyone in the class rushed out in curiosity. Soon almost everyone from all over the school were at the assembly compound to look at the strange thing that dropped down from nowhere.
As we came closer to the "thing", we saw that it was indeed a tree stump. There were moss growing around it, and it had green leaves here and there. Interesting, I thought. The last time I encountered something that dropped from the sky, or rather more accurately, from the magical world, it was a giant cookie.
Just then, I felt somebody nudge me. It was Andy. Andy! I had forgotten about him.
"Another adventure?" said Andy.
"Yeah," said I. "But I don't know what to expect this time. You remember the last time we went to Lolli-Lolli? You were almost killed by mosquitoes!"
"You are right," said Andy with a laugh. "It was scary at that time, but now when I think about it, I just can't stop laughing. It's a pity I wasn't with you last year."
"Last year? Oh, it was very crazy too. Even crazier than the first time we went there. But things just weren't the same without you."
to be continued...
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
George part 1
"You must be a good basketball player!"
At the sound of that sentence, I immediately snapped out of my day-dream. I turned to Vicky, the girl next to me. I noticed that her face was rough, almost entirely covered by pimples.
"Excuse me?" I replied. "What did you just say?"
"I said, with your height, you must be very good at basketball. Am I right?"
"Not exactly," said I, half annoyed. "I hate basketball."
"Really?" said Vicky, and she looked as if she had just encountered a tiger.
Not exactly the kind of person I thought I would meet on the first day of school, I thought. I didn't know anything about her yet, but she pricked the sensitive part of my heart, and I just blurted out those words. Steorotyping people, huh? That's was what I disliked most. Since young many touched the topic of my height, and I got sick of it. I hated being tall. It made me uncomfortable around people.
The first lesson was Physics and the teacher spoke like a robot. I drifted even at the moment she started speaking, and day-dreamed about her being in a science-fiction film where humans were facing extinction. Looks like this school isn't as good as I thought it would be. Probably my decision wasn't right after all. I shouldn't have left SMK I.L.U. My sister Grace was right. Sometimes I'm just too rebellious.
"George?"
I jumped in surprise. I hadn't introduced myself as George to anyone yet.
"Georgia! George! Behind. What are you doing here?"
I turned back immediately and saw a guy with thick-framed glasses and spicky hair. I felt my eyes open widely in surprise.
"Andy? What are you doing here?"
"Did you realise that you asked him the same question he asked you?" said Vicky, turning around.
"Yeah," said I, ignoring her. "I didn't know you were studying in this school, Andy."
"No suprise," said Andy. "We lost contact a few years ago. You still look exactly the same, George."
I loved being called George instead of Georgia, and it felt great when Andy called me that, especially when I was in a pool full of creatures I don't know, or in others words, people who don't know what a creature I am.
to be continued....
At the sound of that sentence, I immediately snapped out of my day-dream. I turned to Vicky, the girl next to me. I noticed that her face was rough, almost entirely covered by pimples.
"Excuse me?" I replied. "What did you just say?"
"I said, with your height, you must be very good at basketball. Am I right?"
"Not exactly," said I, half annoyed. "I hate basketball."
"Really?" said Vicky, and she looked as if she had just encountered a tiger.
Not exactly the kind of person I thought I would meet on the first day of school, I thought. I didn't know anything about her yet, but she pricked the sensitive part of my heart, and I just blurted out those words. Steorotyping people, huh? That's was what I disliked most. Since young many touched the topic of my height, and I got sick of it. I hated being tall. It made me uncomfortable around people.
The first lesson was Physics and the teacher spoke like a robot. I drifted even at the moment she started speaking, and day-dreamed about her being in a science-fiction film where humans were facing extinction. Looks like this school isn't as good as I thought it would be. Probably my decision wasn't right after all. I shouldn't have left SMK I.L.U. My sister Grace was right. Sometimes I'm just too rebellious.
"George?"
I jumped in surprise. I hadn't introduced myself as George to anyone yet.
"Georgia! George! Behind. What are you doing here?"
I turned back immediately and saw a guy with thick-framed glasses and spicky hair. I felt my eyes open widely in surprise.
"Andy? What are you doing here?"
"Did you realise that you asked him the same question he asked you?" said Vicky, turning around.
"Yeah," said I, ignoring her. "I didn't know you were studying in this school, Andy."
"No suprise," said Andy. "We lost contact a few years ago. You still look exactly the same, George."
I loved being called George instead of Georgia, and it felt great when Andy called me that, especially when I was in a pool full of creatures I don't know, or in others words, people who don't know what a creature I am.
to be continued....
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
The Fair Stallion
The Fair Stallion, as everyone called him, was the fairest of all creatures in the Blue Realm. Even the daughter of the High King of that country adored him. The elegance of his graceful hair and his air of nobility gave him an angelic image in the country.
His half-brother, The Shadow Horse, was none too happy about this. Jealousy grasped his heart. Using the evil craft that he learned from the Shadow Witches, he put a curse on The Fair Stallion. The sky went black and a storm attacked. The Fair Stallion was carried away by dark clouds to the Cave of Doom, and his body transformed into images painted on the cave’s walls. His plan nicely accomplished, The Shadow Horse put on an evil smile. Since then, the world lost a precious beauty. Shadow covered the land. Life seemed more miserable than before.
One day, The Shadow Horse came to visit his prisoner and spoke to him. He offered The Fair Stallion a deal.
“Join the Shadows,” said The Shadow Horse. “And I will free you from this cave.”
“Never!” said The Fair Stallion firmly. “No matter what happens, I will stay noble and clean from all evil doings. I will never join you witches!”
“So be it,” said The Shadow Horse. “You will spend the rest of your life in loneliness!”
The Shadow Horse left the cave and never came back again.
Helplessly trapped in the cave walls, The Fair Stallion was furious with his half-brother. He had lost his freedom and was hidden deep inside the dark cave. No one else was there with him. He was alone. Nevertheless, he struggled to live on with a hope that some day he will be free.
10,327 years later, light finally found its way into the Cave of Doom. A fallen meteor rock made a hole on the ceiling of the cave, and the magical sunlight of the Blue Realm shone brightly onto the cave walls. The Fair Stallion was delighted when he felt the warmth of the sunlight. He looked around him and was amazed. He was released! He was no longer paintings on the cave walls, but the handsome stallion that everyone admired 10,327 years ago. The magical sunlight of the Blue Realm had freed him! The Shadows were long gone and brightness was back into the world. The Fair Stallion felt so blessed because the cave walls have preserved him for so many years.
The Fair Stallion dashed out into the world he belonged, smelling every grass and flower he passed by. Now a free horse, his happiness is indescribable.
From that day onwards, no one appreciated life as much as The Fair Stallion.
*written in Nov 2008 for my Letterform and Calligraphy project.
His half-brother, The Shadow Horse, was none too happy about this. Jealousy grasped his heart. Using the evil craft that he learned from the Shadow Witches, he put a curse on The Fair Stallion. The sky went black and a storm attacked. The Fair Stallion was carried away by dark clouds to the Cave of Doom, and his body transformed into images painted on the cave’s walls. His plan nicely accomplished, The Shadow Horse put on an evil smile. Since then, the world lost a precious beauty. Shadow covered the land. Life seemed more miserable than before.
One day, The Shadow Horse came to visit his prisoner and spoke to him. He offered The Fair Stallion a deal.
“Join the Shadows,” said The Shadow Horse. “And I will free you from this cave.”
“Never!” said The Fair Stallion firmly. “No matter what happens, I will stay noble and clean from all evil doings. I will never join you witches!”
“So be it,” said The Shadow Horse. “You will spend the rest of your life in loneliness!”
The Shadow Horse left the cave and never came back again.
Helplessly trapped in the cave walls, The Fair Stallion was furious with his half-brother. He had lost his freedom and was hidden deep inside the dark cave. No one else was there with him. He was alone. Nevertheless, he struggled to live on with a hope that some day he will be free.
10,327 years later, light finally found its way into the Cave of Doom. A fallen meteor rock made a hole on the ceiling of the cave, and the magical sunlight of the Blue Realm shone brightly onto the cave walls. The Fair Stallion was delighted when he felt the warmth of the sunlight. He looked around him and was amazed. He was released! He was no longer paintings on the cave walls, but the handsome stallion that everyone admired 10,327 years ago. The magical sunlight of the Blue Realm had freed him! The Shadows were long gone and brightness was back into the world. The Fair Stallion felt so blessed because the cave walls have preserved him for so many years.
The Fair Stallion dashed out into the world he belonged, smelling every grass and flower he passed by. Now a free horse, his happiness is indescribable.
From that day onwards, no one appreciated life as much as The Fair Stallion.
*written in Nov 2008 for my Letterform and Calligraphy project.
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Greed
I ran as fast as my tired legs could take me. The ring, which hung on the chain around my neck was swinging wildly. My feet were weary. I could feel all the blisters at my toes beneath my boots. My stomach was growling in hunger. Droplets of sweat were rolling down my cheeks. How I wish I could just collapse and fall into a deep sleep!
No, that cannot happen. The riders are coming. They are just a stone’s throw behind me. I will not let them get the ring. It is the most precious thing in the world. Anyone who has it will be the richest man on earth. After months of planning and plotting, I, known simply as the “Swifter” had finally got hold of the precious golden ring, everyone’s desire. There is a legend that this ring was forged by a great warrior thousands of years ago and it is priceless jewellery. A year ago the highest officer of the King found it and kept it, but I managed to steal it from those day-dreaming guards.
My legs took me to a small village where I thought the riders would never find. Many trees grew around it. The air was as fresh and cool as peppermint and completely free of dust. I turned back and caught glimpse of the band of riders going south. I chuckled to myself in relief. Now I have the ring to myself. They would never find me.
I took the ring with its chain off my neck and at beneath an old tree. The glitters of the ring under the golden sun pleased my tired eyes. Now I would not have to steal anymore. I have all the wealth in the world. I am rich! I will get myself new clothes, a mansion, a fine horse and all the ladies will adore me.
“Hey, boy!”
I woke up from my fantasy world and looked up. A wrinkled face with grey hair and weary eyes was what I saw.
“What makes you think that ring worth everything?”
“What do you mean?” said I, surprised. “Of course the ring means everything! What more could I ask for?”
“In a year’s time, you would be asking for more,” said the man. “Trust me. I have seen many young men who are tempted by greed. They are always asking for more.”
“Greed?” said I.
Since my mother left me, I had been stealing to survive. My skills were so good that I became a famous thief. People were afraid of me and at the same time impressed by my swiftness in stealing. I lived a good life. I was free and relaxed all the time. I had everything I needed to survive, but I wanted more. That was exactly the point of the man! I wanted more, and that was why I went to steal the ring. I was overcome by greed!
“There is nothing better than being rich!” said I. “You can do anything when you are rich.”
“Can you get love with wealth?” asked the man, looking right into my eyes. “You cannot buy love, nor can you buy happiness. Money is not everything.”
He turned away and entered his garden just nearby. His wife, a woman with gentle eyes and lovely dimples, was waiting for him. Two little boys dressed in patched clothes were running around in laughter. Their house was old and small, but they were happy, because they had each other.
The beautiful scene touched my heart deeply. Truly, money does not bring happiness and love. Money can only bring about physical things and materials. All my life I never knew anything better than living a wealthy life. All these years I was overcome by greed and my dream was to become the richest man on earth. Now I know what I lack in life – love.
I stood up and held the ring tightly in my palm and walked towards the man’s house.
“This is for you,” said I, and gave the ring to him.
The man refused it but I told him to keep it. As I walked away, my life changed completely. I was no longer the “Swifter” that everyone knew. I no longer loved money, for I had chased away the one thing that controlled my life – greed.
*written in September 2007 for SPM trial. The original question was a single word "Greed".
No, that cannot happen. The riders are coming. They are just a stone’s throw behind me. I will not let them get the ring. It is the most precious thing in the world. Anyone who has it will be the richest man on earth. After months of planning and plotting, I, known simply as the “Swifter” had finally got hold of the precious golden ring, everyone’s desire. There is a legend that this ring was forged by a great warrior thousands of years ago and it is priceless jewellery. A year ago the highest officer of the King found it and kept it, but I managed to steal it from those day-dreaming guards.
My legs took me to a small village where I thought the riders would never find. Many trees grew around it. The air was as fresh and cool as peppermint and completely free of dust. I turned back and caught glimpse of the band of riders going south. I chuckled to myself in relief. Now I have the ring to myself. They would never find me.
I took the ring with its chain off my neck and at beneath an old tree. The glitters of the ring under the golden sun pleased my tired eyes. Now I would not have to steal anymore. I have all the wealth in the world. I am rich! I will get myself new clothes, a mansion, a fine horse and all the ladies will adore me.
“Hey, boy!”
I woke up from my fantasy world and looked up. A wrinkled face with grey hair and weary eyes was what I saw.
“What makes you think that ring worth everything?”
“What do you mean?” said I, surprised. “Of course the ring means everything! What more could I ask for?”
“In a year’s time, you would be asking for more,” said the man. “Trust me. I have seen many young men who are tempted by greed. They are always asking for more.”
“Greed?” said I.
Since my mother left me, I had been stealing to survive. My skills were so good that I became a famous thief. People were afraid of me and at the same time impressed by my swiftness in stealing. I lived a good life. I was free and relaxed all the time. I had everything I needed to survive, but I wanted more. That was exactly the point of the man! I wanted more, and that was why I went to steal the ring. I was overcome by greed!
“There is nothing better than being rich!” said I. “You can do anything when you are rich.”
“Can you get love with wealth?” asked the man, looking right into my eyes. “You cannot buy love, nor can you buy happiness. Money is not everything.”
He turned away and entered his garden just nearby. His wife, a woman with gentle eyes and lovely dimples, was waiting for him. Two little boys dressed in patched clothes were running around in laughter. Their house was old and small, but they were happy, because they had each other.
The beautiful scene touched my heart deeply. Truly, money does not bring happiness and love. Money can only bring about physical things and materials. All my life I never knew anything better than living a wealthy life. All these years I was overcome by greed and my dream was to become the richest man on earth. Now I know what I lack in life – love.
I stood up and held the ring tightly in my palm and walked towards the man’s house.
“This is for you,” said I, and gave the ring to him.
The man refused it but I told him to keep it. As I walked away, my life changed completely. I was no longer the “Swifter” that everyone knew. I no longer loved money, for I had chased away the one thing that controlled my life – greed.
*written in September 2007 for SPM trial. The original question was a single word "Greed".
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